Dental Implants Laurel MD: Recovering After Surgery
Are you getting ready for a new dental implant at Laurel MD? Make sure you keep reading below to learn how to recover after the surgery.
Are you looking for dental implants in Laurel, MD? Or maybe you have surgery scheduled and are wondering how long the recovery will take?
You aren't alone, as dental implant procedures are on the rise. Between 2019 and 2020 dental implants increased 6.3%, and will increase by 23% before 2026!
Many people turn to dental implant surgery each year to improve dental health and their lives.
Are you getting ready
for dental implant surgery in Laurel, MD? Keep reading our guide to learn about dental implant surgery and how to recover quickly!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are prosthetic devices dentists use to replace lost teeth. An implant consists of a small titanium post that your dentist inserts into your jawbone. Once it's inserted, it can attach to a:
- Fixed bridge
- Single crowns
- Full dentures
- Partial dentures
Dental implant surgery can be used instead of bridgework, especially when your natural teeth don't allow for dentures to fit very well.
Reasons for Implants
Since implants are surgically placed into your jaw bone, they won't slip, cause bone damage, or decay. Dental implants can be a great idea if you:
- Have missing teeth
- Have adequate bone to hold the implants
- Have healthy gums and teeth
- Not able to wear dentures
- Don't smoke
- Need to improve speech
A dental implant procedure has stages, and you have to be willing to commit a few months to complete the entire process.
Complications of Dental Implant Surgery
Complications of dental implant surgery are rare, and usually minor when they do occur.
Risk and complications include infection at the implant site, injury or damage to your teeth or gums, and nerve damage to your teeth, gums, lips, and chin.
Rarely, you could experience sinus cavity problems if an implant begins to protrude into your sinus cavities.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery involves a long process, and you may have to see different specialists like an oral surgeon, Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist, or a prosthodontist who is a dentist that designs artificial teeth.
First, you will need to get a thorough evaluation starting with:
- A dental exam including X-rays and 3D images of your teeth and jaw
- Your medical history, including past surgeries and current medications
- Your custom treatment plan
- Discuss anesthesia options like mild sedation or general anesthesia.
Your dental implant surgery is done as an outpatient surgery in stages, with time to heal between each step.
First, you will have any damaged teeth removed. If your jawbone isn't thick enough to support implants, you may need bone grafting or rebuilding of your jawbone. Typically, synthetic bone is used, or bone from another part of your body.
Once this is done, you move on to the placement of the dental implant into your jawbone. After this, you have to wait for the bone growth process to take place. Then your oral surgeon will place an abutment which is the piece where your crown will attach. The last step will be artificial teeth, which can be fixed or removable.
Dental Implant Recovery
Recovery time varies and is unique to each person. But some factors can affect how long it takes you to recover, such as:
- How many teeth you had implanted
- How healthy your jawbone is
- If you needed bone grafting
- Individual healing times and health
The most important thing to remember is to pay extra care to good oral hygiene while you are recovering. For the first 24 hours, it's helpful to use warm salt water or a peroxide rinse until you can brush your teeth.
Pain from implant surgery is a lot less than you might originally expect. Bones don't have nerve endings and the incisions are small. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Advil are usually all that is needed for the first 3 days.
For the first hour after surgery, avoid any food or drinks. Once you are awake and able to remove the surgery gauze, you can try to eat something soft. Avoid drinking anything from a straw for the first 24 hours, as the suction can disrupt tissues that are healing.
Pain and Swelling
Pain and tenderness are common, but this should improve with each day. You may experience swelling and bruising around your face. You can apply ice and use Advil to help decrease any discomfort.
If you have increased pain, swelling, or fever above 101.5, then you need to contact your oral surgeon right away.
Returning to Normal Activities
Some people can return to work on the same day or within one or two days. But for procedures needing general anesthesia or bone grafts, recovery time can take up to a week. You should avoid strenuous activities for at least 3 days.
How Long for Permanent Crowns?
After your implant surgery, you will be fitted with temporary crowns. You will have to wear temporary crowns for about 4-6 months until you have fully healed. Then your permanent crowns will be placed.
If your procedure was not too invasive and you only needed one or two implants, then this process goes a lot faster.
Caring for Dental Implants
Your dental implants will function the same way as your natural teeth did. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are just as important.
You can't get cavities in your dental implants, but they can still wear down. And the gum tissue surrounding your implants still needs to be kept healthy and strong.
Dental Implants Laurel MD
If you're looking to get dental implants in Laurel MD, then look no further. Dental implants are a practical solution to your missing teeth and feel natural too.
Dr. Garland Davis has the precision and expertise you need to ensure long-term success.
The office of Garland K. Davis DDS is in Laurel Maryland, and is here to help you with your dental needs! Make sure to contact us today.